Sapporo Considers Moving Non-Alcoholic Beer Production to the US
Japanese brewer Sapporo is evaluating options for shifting production of its non-alcoholic beer, sold in the U.S., from Canada to North America. The company cited a 50% tariff on Canadian beer imports into the U.S. as one factor influencing this review. Chief Strategy Officer Rieko Shofu mentioned plans could include building or acquiring a West Coast brewery by early 2027, though no decision has been finalized. Sapporo emphasized that its production strategy is part of broader supply chain optimization efforts rather than being solely driven by tariffs. The company also noted the U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement to ban Canadian-made alcohol imports effective September 29. In April, Sapporo sold Stone Brewing assets and plans to consolidate all U.S. production at its Richmond brewery. Sapporo acquired Stone Brewing in 2022 for $165 million but has since faced declining demand across the broader U.S. beer market due to inflation and shifting consumer preferences.
Topics: international trade production shift supply chain optimization tariffs